Migraine

Ok, last week was horrible - constant pain and one shot of toradol - big whoop. This week - much better and I resolved to NOT call the doctor at all - you know how it feels when you "feel" like you're bugging them constantly? I know, I know, we pay them and it's their job, but I hate the label of "high maintenance".

Anyway, I don't think the Keppra is cutting it - any thoughts as to what to try next based on personal experience? I know there are SO many out there...I take Imitrex, Prozac, Synthroid, Crestor, Seroquel (for sleep), Rozeram, Keppra, Protonix not to mention a host of vitamins (B2, Slow Mag, multi, and iron)...sombeody shoot me.

Again, the feeling of just give it up comes over me. And there is another problem - that feeling stays longer and longer each time - depression is definitely a factor. It's a wonderful combination, isn't it? Pain AND depression? God, how do we face each day knowing what's in store for us...rhetorical question - we face it because we HAVE to.

So, that's my gripe, vent and thoughts for now. Thanks for listening...

Sending you lots of s.

If you don't think the Keppra is doing it for you, remember there are lots of things to try.

Migraine Preventative Medications - Too Many Options to Give Up!

How we react to medications is so individual. It is, unfortunately, trial and error of figuring it out. I'm in the middle of that myself. I just stopped one and and I'm trying to figure out if the other one is working. It is quite a process, but each time I start a new med, I think, I am that much closer to figuring out what is going to help me.

I agree, it is very frustrating and exhausting and depressing to have so much pain and little relief. Yuck. Stronger words apply, but sometimes there are no words to what a difficult journey it is.

I keep holding onto hope that that there is a medication out there that is going to help manage my migraines better.

Don't shy away from calling your dr. This disease is teaching me that I am my best advocate. You are truly advocating for yourself when you call to let your dr. know what is going on with you. The more your dr. hears of your suffering, (if he is a good dr.) the more he will be aware of your situation and can treat you accordingly.

We are here for you.

Take care,
Kelly

I started seeing a specialist in November. I've got the Major Depression thing going on, too, and I was taking Wellbutrin and Effexor. She changed my Effexor to Cymbalta (my psychiatrist approved). I've added Lyrica and MagOxide. At my latest appointment, she added Verapamil. She said that Lyrica was great for reducing frequency. The verapamil is for the pain I wake up with. I was already taking Lamictal, prescribed by my local neurologist, and my specialist didn't change that.

So, there are a ton of things to try. I'm still having daily pain, but recently I've had quite a few days that oscillated between 0 and 2, which is not a problem for me to handle. I'd prefer pain-free, but this is progress.

The only thing about starting more than one med at the same time is that you don't know which drug is causing any improvement or side effects.

Like you, I've got other issues, too. I take Prevacid for my GERD and Avapro for blood pressure. Fosamax and calcium and vitamin D. I've got osteopenia of the spine. My hips are fine, but I've got some bone loss in my spine. And Ambien and Moban for sleep. And a multivitamin.

You might ask about Lyrica. I've tried verapamil before. That time, it only made my head worse and made me terribly constipated. So far, it's just working on the constipation.

Gretchen in Mississippi

The others have given your some good advice on meds to talk to your doc about. I just wanted to first send you some hugs

And let you know, I get that feeling of wanting to just give up, but we know we can't because there is Hope!! This is a aweful disease that gets to the best of us . And Pain and depression is a terrible combination, but something that your doctor should know about and help you through.

If you feel like you are "high maintenance" then IMO, you need a new doctor or if you like your doctor you need to let he/she know how you feel. YOU are important, YOU matter, YOU deserve to be Pain-free as much as possible and if it takes you to be "high-maintenance" to get you to that point then that is what you need!!

I am sending positive, painfree, cybervibes that you find a treatment plan that works for you. Let us know, k.

Dar

First things first.

I get what your are going through. I was diagnoses w/ depression about 5 years ago (though I have obviously had it my whole life).

I know we all feel the same way some times. We're in pain, and miserable, and we still have to function like everything is just peachy.

But that is why this forum is awesome. We are always here for each other for support, and we can all relate.

I hope you are feeling better soon

quote:

Originally posted by Helpless:Again, the feeling of just give it up comes over me. And there is another problem - that feeling stays longer and longer each time - depression is definitely a factor. It's a wonderful combination, isn't it? Pain AND depression? God, how do we face each day knowing what's in store for us...rhetorical question - we face it because we HAVE to.

So, that's my gripe, vent and thoughts for now. Thanks for listening...

Hi Helpless,

Coping with chronic illness is never easy. Depression tends to be a co-morbid condition with Migraine. This means a person may have both conditions at the same time, but one doesn't cause the other. Some research suggests 47% of Migraineurs suffer from depression. Pain is depressing. Period.

Teri did a SharePost for the depression site that may be of interest to you. Depression significantly impairs health but is unrecognized and untreated

It sounds like your Migraine management plan needs an overhaul. And no, you are not "high maintenance." How about a person who wants and deserves to have a quality of life they can enjoy and share with family and friends. That certainly is not asking too much.

Seroquel for sleep and isn't rozeram for sleep too? Is that a lot sleep aids? As for the Keppra, if it isn't working, other drugs in the same class are Lamcital, Gabitril Neurontin, Zonegran and Lyrica. Feel free to print out whatever information you'd like and share it with your doctor on Monday.

I definitely feel for you. This disease is really difficult to deal with on its own, let alone with the depression thrown into the mix. The others are right though, it's really not too much to ask for a good quality of life - and you won't have that unless you advocate for your best health care. And sometimes that means calling your doctor every day. I'll give you some links to some information we have on here that may help you for your appointment on Monday.

Migraineur's Guide to a Successful Doctor's Appointment

Coping With Busy Doctors

When to See a Doctor for a Migraine or Headache

Is Your Doctor Right for You?

Hope this helps. Hang in there - know that we're here for you.

I knew I came to the right place! You guys (ladies) are AWESOME. It's just so nice to know that I'm not the only one...it helps to know that, doesn't it?

I'm going to "tough it out" until my appointment Monday - then let her have it, nicely of course. Hopefully I won't have a beastly migraine that won't allow me to communicate what I need. It would #### to have my appointment concentrated on the current pain instead of the big picture.

Anyway, thanks again - I read Teri's depression article - talk about eye opening and I've printed off all the med information from here that I can. Now I just need to write it all down so I don't forget anything while I have my time with her.

Again, thanks - you're an awesome support group.

OOPS! Edited by moderator: Please remember to use family friendly language. Thanks!

I am SO sorry. It would STINK. That's what I meant, really!